Discover Edinburgh: A Travel & Photography Guide

Ah, Edinburgh! It has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I am happy we could visit and spend seven days exploring the city. Edinburgh is like a storybook scene, with castles, turrets, towers, large squares, and cobbled streets. The city was J K Rowling’s home and where she wrote most of the Harry Potter books, and it was not hard to see the spark of inspiration for her world of magic.

The Scottish capital is one of the UK’s most beautiful cities and attracts more than 3 million visitors annually. Both the Old Town and New Town are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. Edinburgh has something for everyone with its rich, fascinating history, culture, and delicious food.

Here are some of the top reasons to visit Edinburgh :

• Beautiful Architecture: Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437 and is full of beautiful architecture and historic buildings such as Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

• Atmospheric surroundings. Edinburgh also has so many beautiful restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and pubs along its beautiful cobbled streets and the picturesque Old Town.

• Art and Culture: Lovers of arts and culture can enjoy the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that takes over the city in August every year. You can also explore the many museums or participate in a Harry Potter walking tour and see the sites that inspired the stories.

• Green spaces: Edinburgh is home to 100 parks and public gardens

• Camera Obscura: Camera Obscura is located one block down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle. Six floors are filled with illusions, puzzles, and optical tricks.

Where to Stay

Finding the perfect place to stay in Edinburgh is key to making the most of your trip. If you want to make the most of your trip to Edinburgh, stay in the city center! Any hotel within walking distance of Waverley railway station will be in the heart of the city, with all the main sights and attractions right on your doorstep!

Luxury Hotels:

1. The Balmoral Hotel -

   • A landmark of Edinburgh, this five-star hotel offers stunning views, luxurious rooms, and top-notch service.

2. The Edinburgh Grand -

   • A chic hotel blending historical architecture with modern luxury, perfect for a stylish stay in the heart of the city.

3. Gleneagles Townhouse -

   • A luxurious retreat with elegant decor and exceptional amenities in the heart of Edinburgh.

Mid-Level Hotels:

1. The Inn on the Mile - The Inn on the Mile

   • Located right on the Royal Mile, this boutique hotel combines comfort with a prime location.

2. Ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square -

   • It is a vibrant, budget-friendly hotel with quirky decor and a central location.

3. Apex Grassmarket Hotel -

   • With fantastic views of Edinburgh Castle and modern amenities, this hotel is a great choice for travelers on a mid-range budget.

How Long Should You Stay?

To truly enjoy Edinburgh, plan to stay for at least three to four days. This allows you enough time to explore the main attractions, venture into some lesser-known spots, and capture plenty of amazing photos.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October). The weather is generally mild, and the city is less crowded than during the peak summer months. Plus, the natural light during these times is perfect for photography.

Remember that the weather in Edinburgh is very unpredictable! The rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected and dress accordingly. Waterproof clothing is a must, but umbrellas aren’t always the best solution because of the wind.

Getting Around the City

Edinburgh is a very walkable city, especially in the central areas. The public transport system, including buses and trams, is reliable and convenient for longer distances. Yes, Uber and Bolt are available in Edinburgh, providing an easy way to get around. But walking is absolutely the best way to see the Old Town, with all its little secret courtyards, mysterious staircases, and tiny side streets concealing vintage shops and independent boutiques.

Where to Eat

Edinburgh is renowned for its food and drink scene. Scottish cuisine is known for its hearty, heavy, and filling dishes. Thanks to its proximity to the cold waters of the North Sea, Edinburgh always has an abundance of exceptionally fresh seafood. If you like Whisky, then you are definitely in the right place. Some of the best Whisky in the world are from Scotland.

If you are adventurous, try Haggis, Scotland's national dish. Haggis is traditionally made of sheep parts (heart, liver, lungs) mixed with onion, spices, fat, oatmeal, stock, and spices and then stuffed in a sheep’s stomach.

We had so many beautiful meals throughout the city.

1. The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse - The Spence

   • An elegant restaurant in Gleneagles Townhouse offers modern Scottish cuisine in a stunning setting.

2. The Kitchin - The Kitchin

   • Michelin-starred and known for its focus on fresh, local ingredients, The Kitchin in Leith serves up innovative Scottish cuisine with a modern twist.

3. Palmerston - Palmerston

   • A delightful spot with a farm-to-table approach and seasonal menu.

4. The Little Chartroom - The Little Chartroom

   • A cozy eatery serving modern European dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

5. Cafe St Honore - Cafe St Honore

   • Tucked away on a charming lane, this bistro offers classic French cuisine with a Scottish twist, emphasizing local and organic ingredients.

6. The Scran & Scallie - The Scran & Scallie

   • This gastropub, co-owned by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin, serves traditional Scottish dishes with a modern twist in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.

Cafes/Coffee Shops

There are lots of fantastic coffee shops and bakeries in Edinburgh. One of our favorites is The Milkman. We must have visited 3-4 times during our stay.

1. Cairngorm Coffee - Cairngorm Coffee

   • Bright and modern café with great coffee and a relaxed vibe.

2. Lannan Bakery - Lannan

   • Cozy coffee shop offering a range of specialty brews.

3. Beatnik - Beatnik

   • A trendy spot known for its delicious coffee and hip atmosphere.

4. The Milkman - The Milkman

   • A quaint and charming coffee shop on Cockburn Street, Milkman offers excellent coffee and a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for a relaxing break.

Photography Gear to Bring

• Camera Body: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses.

• Lenses: A wide-angle lens for landscapes, a standard zoom lens for versatility, and a telephoto lens for capturing details from afar.

• Tripod: Essential for steady shots, especially in low light.

• Filters: Polarizing and ND filters to manage reflections and exposure.

• Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: You’ll be snapping a lot, so come prepared.

• Portable Charger: To keep your devices powered throughout the day.

Best Photography Locations

Edinburgh Castle:

Perched high above the city, Edinburgh Castle is the most popular tourist attraction. You can see the castle from anywhere in the city. It is a must-visit for its historical significance and panoramic views of the city. I loved photographing the castle at night when the lights came on.

Arthur’s Seat:

If you feel like hiking, the views from Arthur’s Seat are incredible. The highest point in the park is Arthur’s Seat, which Robert Louis Stevenson described as, ‘a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design.’

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano on the outskirts of Edinburgh. With a height of 251 meters (823 feet), it provides hikers with a picturesque panorama of the city. The hike takes an hour each way. If the weather is nice, bring a picnic and spend an afternoon looking out over the city.

From the Opposite Side

The Balmoral Hotel

The Balmoral is a grand Victorian hotel with a beautiful clock tower. It is located right on Princess Street and its’s a short walk from Calton Hill.

In the evening, the clock tower is lit, providing a beautiful architectural shot.

Calton Hill:

Some of the best views of Edinburgh are from Calton Hill. You will have panoramic views of the city skyline.

Calton Hill sits just past the east end of Princes Street, and you can take the steep but relatively short set of stairs up to the top of the hill. There are several other buildings at the top of the hill including the National Monument and Dugald Stewart Monument.

At Sunrise

I found that Sunset is the best time to visit Calton Hill.

You will have beautiful views of the Sea from this high vantage point.

The Royal Mile:

This pedestrian road is lined with pubs, restaurants, cafes, and shops. While touristy, it’s also incredibly beautiful and historic. Nearby are many historical monuments and buildings, such as the medieval St. Giles’ Cathedral.

As the name suggests, Old Town is the oldest part of the city. You’ll likely be on and off this street many times during your visit!

I am always happy to capture a couple getting married.

You will frequently find someone playing the bagpipes on the Royal Mile.

Dean Village

Dean Village is an incredibly scenic, quaint small village in the center of Edinburgh. It is about a 20-minute walk from Princess Street, or you can take a taxi.

It is definitely worth visiting and taking a stroll around the village. The best views are at the bottom of Hawthornbank Lane.

The Water of Leith Walkway runs through the heart of the village and I suggest a stroll along the riverside.

There are lots of cute houses with views of the river to photograph.

The Scott Monument, Edinburgh

Built in 1846, the Scott Monument commemorates the life of Sir Walter Scott, the author of such famous novels as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy. The Gothic spire monument was created to honor his works and contributions to Scottish culture as well as to the city of Edinburgh itself.

I loved photographing it at night since it was well lit or during the day.

There is a beautiful park, Princess Park, right behind the monument. You will see many people walking and having a picnic in this area.

National Monument, Edinburgh

The National Monument of Scotland, on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, is Scotland's national memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. It looks more like something I would see in Athens.

The Closes on the Royal Mile

The Closes of the Royal Mile are somewhere you need to visit when photographing Edinburgh. While thousands of people walk along the main thoroughfare daily, few realize these hidden gems exist, and if you look closely, you'll discover walkways with an entrance nameplate and steps leading down. Narrow and moody, the closes weave between tall buildings and were typically named after a notable resident who once lived in the apartments the staircases pass.

Each close is different in appearance, with some favorites including Advocate's Close, Old Stamp Office Close, and Milne's Close.

Victoria Street:

A curved and cobbled street, Victoria Street is quite possibly the best looking street in Edinburgh. With colourful facades it's often referred to as Diagon Alley (from Harry Potter) and apparently where J.K Rowling took her inspiration, it's worth a stroll to capture the street scenes here.

Scottish National Museum

The Scottish National Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh. The museum was founded in 1854 and opened to the public in 1866. It is dedicated to Scottish history, culture and art. It also has a wide range of exhibits on Scottish culture, including traditional music, dance and clothing.

If you love art, you’ll want to save at least an hour or two to stroll the Scottish National Gallery, one of many excellent free museums in Edinburgh.

St. Giles Cathedral:

Inside this cathedral, dating back to the 14th century is one of the most incredible ceilings I've ever seen. A striking bold blue color highlights the center of the cathedral, with lights creating an effect like the sky and sun. There's no admission charge; however, to photograph inside the cathedral, you need to purchase a photography pass.

Greyfriars:

My favorite part of Greyfriars Kirkyard, though, is the story of Greyfriars Bobby.

Bobby was a Skye Terrier whose owner John Gray was buried in the graveyard. The story goes that for the next 14 years Bobby spent his life sitting by the grave and was then buried just inside the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Visitors can now leave a stick for Bobby, a tradition that I couldn't resist adding to and was very close to bursting into tears at just how cute it was!

Princes Street Garden:

London has Hyde Park, New York has Central Park, and Edinburgh has the Princes Street Gardens. Lined with historic buildings and filled with flower beds and green space, the gardens are a beautiful space within the city center.

The main reason I loved photographing the gardens was because they offer a great view of the buildings that lead toward the Edinburgh Castle, and the castle itself is ideal for some creative perspectives through the trees.

Wrapping up

Ready to capture the magic of Edinburgh? Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel and photography guides, tips, and inspiration for your next adventure!

Happy travels and happy shooting!

If you have enjoyed this guide to Edinburgh, Scotland, you can look at my other Photography & Travel Guides at this link.